Our Lab's Participation in ITQB NOVA's Open Day

On March 15, 2025, our laboratory had the privilege of participating in the annual Open Day event hosted by ITQB NOVA (Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier) in Oeiras, Portugal. This community engagement initiative represents one of the institute's most significant public outreach efforts of the year, designed to showcase scientific research to the broader community.

Showcasing Fluorescence Microscopy

Our team designed and operated an interactive booth focused on the principles and applications of fluorescence microscopy. The exhibition provided visitors with insights into how this technology enables researchers to visualize cellular structures and processes that would otherwise remain invisible to the naked eye. Our researchers demonstrated various fluorescence techniques and explained their importance in modern biological research.

Through carefully prepared demonstrations and accessible explanations, our team members successfully communicated complex scientific concepts to visitors spanning different age groups and backgrounds. The hands-on nature of our display encouraged meaningful engagement and fostered genuine interest in microscopy and cell biology.

Record Attendance and Public Engagement

This year's Open Day proved exceptionally successful, attracting approximately 2,000 visitors to the ITQB NOVA campus. This record-breaking attendance underscores the growing public interest in scientific research and highlights the importance of such outreach initiatives in bridging the gap between academic institutions and the community they serve.

The diverse audience included families, students, educators, and individuals from various professional backgrounds, all eager to learn about cutting-edge research conducted at the institute. Our booth remained consistently busy throughout the event, indicating strong public interest in imaging technologies and their applications in biological research.

Acknowledgments

We extend our sincere appreciation to our team members who volunteered their time and expertise to make our participation in this event possible. Their commitment to science communication and their enthusiasm in engaging with the public were instrumental to the success of our exhibition.

Events like the ITQB NOVA Open Day serve as important platforms for communicating science to the public and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Our laboratory remains committed to participating in such initiatives as part of our broader mission to make scientific research more accessible and relatable to the general public.